Specifications

Chapter 2
Analysis of Existing Solution
There is already a system in place which logs the birds’ movements, however,
there are problems associated with its implementation. The existing installation
on Robben Island was inspected in July 2006 in order for us to obtain a
better understanding of the conditions under which the device must operate.
This chapter will discuss the existing system and examine its strengths and
weaknesses with the goal of improving its design.
It is in the nature of penguins to walk along the same paths every day. A
gate has been established along one of these paths through which the birds
are funnelled. This gate is situated toward the southern end of the island,
near a mains AC power outlet. Figure 2.1 shows the operational components
of the existing system. The birds are detected and then identified as they
pass through this gate. This is done using a combination of infra-red and
low frequency RFID technologies. RFID transponders are implanted in the
birds’ backs, at shoulder height, with a vertical orientation. Approximately
200 birds have already been tagged. The system cost in excess of ZAR30 000
to implement.
2.1 Animal Detection and Identification
Figure 2.2 is a close-up of the gate through which the penguins walk. As a
bird enters the gate, it interrupts an infra-red light beam. This triggers the
RFID reader which then identifies the bird while it is within the gateway.
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